Manchester united hold talks with former Barcelona manager as possible replacement for Erik ten hag.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team have reportedly opened discussions with Xavi Hernandez about the possibility of him becoming Manchester United’s next manager, should the club decide to part ways with Erik ten Hag. According to a report from the Daily Mail, intermediaries have reached out to Xavi twice in recent months to explore his interest.
Xavi, who has previously stated he has no desire to coach in Spain again, may find the opportunity at Manchester United enticing. The 44-year-old has been out of work since being dismissed by Barcelona last summer, a decision that came after he voiced concerns over the squad’s quality and the club’s financial struggles.
Xavi was appointed Barcelona’s head coach in November 2021 and made an immediate impact, leading the team to a La Liga title in his first full season. However, the following season saw the team’s performances dip, leading to a challenging period for the club. Xavi initially planned to step down at the end of the season but reversed his decision. Despite staying on, tensions grew due to ongoing issues with the squad and the club’s financial situation, ultimately leading to his departure.
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United remains under scrutiny, with increasing speculation about how long he can hold onto his position. The Dutchman was expected to be sacked during the recent international break but survived and led United to a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brentford last weekend. However, his position is still fragile, and he will need to secure positive results in the coming weeks to strengthen his case. United’s upcoming fixtures, including a Europa League clash against Fenerbahce and a Premier League match against West Ham United, are critical for ten Hag. Further challenges await with games against Leicester City, Chelsea, and PAOK.
Xavi could be an intriguing option for Manchester United, as his possession-based football aligns with the club’s traditional style. Despite his recent setbacks at Barcelona, his tactical vision and ability to develop young talent could attract Ratcliffe and the club’s hierarchy, who may be looking for a fresh direction. Xavi’s experience at Barcelona, where he faced significant expectations and pressure, would prepare him well for managing at Old Trafford. His willingness to take on challenges outside of Spain adds to his appeal, and the chance to manage a historic club like Manchester United could be hard to resist.
As the pressure mounts on ten Hag to turn things around, the coming weeks will be crucial for both him and the club. If results do not improve, Manchester United may look to make a change, with Xavi emerging as a strong candidate. While ten Hag remains in charge for now, his future will continue to be a topic of speculation unless he can guide the team to a consistent run of form. Meanwhile, Ratcliffe and his team will continue assessing their options, with Xavi likely to remain in consideration if a change in leadership is deemed necessary.
